The Cheltenham Festival makes its highly anticipated return this week as the National Hunt jump racing season reaches its thrilling climax. This four-day extravaganza of horseracing excellence stands as one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe to witness top-class competition.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 Overview
The Festival commences on Tuesday 10 March and concludes on Friday 13 March, featuring a packed schedule of 28 races across the four days. Each day offers seven races, with the coveted Gold Cup serving as the spectacular highlight on the final day. The event unfolds across Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick's Thursday, and culminates with Gold Cup Day.
This year's action promises to deliver exceptional excitement and perhaps greater unpredictability than previous editions. The prolific Irish trainer Willie Mullins and his resident jockey Paul Townend will be aiming to maintain their impressive form, while British trainers are determined to challenge Ireland's decade-long dominance in the Prestbury Cup competition, seeking redemption after last year's 20-8 defeat.
Race Details and Specifications
Across the four days, racing enthusiasts can expect 13 races run over fences, 13 over hurdles, plus a bumper flat race and a cross-country chase. The distances range from just under two miles to nearly four miles, offering varied challenges for competitors. The quality of racing remains exceptional with 13 Grade 1 races, five Grade 2 events, six Grade 3 contests, and four Listed races completing the programme.
Each day's racing action begins at 1:20pm GMT, with the final race scheduled for 5:20pm, providing spectators with a full afternoon of top-tier National Hunt competition.
Television Coverage and Live Streaming
For those unable to attend in person, comprehensive television coverage is available. ITV1 will broadcast the first six races of each day, while a Racing TV subscription provides access to complete Festival coverage, including the final race of each day. Both broadcasters offer live streaming options through their respective apps and websites, alongside traditional television broadcasts, ensuring fans can follow every moment of the action regardless of their location.
Complete Race Schedule
Tuesday 10 March - Champion Day
Please note: All race conditions and timings are subject to change
- 1:20pm: Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2:00pm: Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
- 2:40pm: McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap)
- 3:20pm: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
- 4:00pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 4:40pm: Sun Racing Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)
- 5:20pm: National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2)
Wednesday 11 March - Ladies Day
Please note: All race conditions and timings are subject to change
- 1:20pm: Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2:00pm: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
- 2:40pm: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)
- 3:20pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase
- 4:00pm: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
- 4:40pm: Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Premier Handicap)
- 5:20pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (Grade 1)
Thursday 12 March - St Patrick's Thursday
Please note: All race conditions and timings are subject to change
- 1:20pm: Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
- 2:00pm: Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
- 2:40pm: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 3:20pm: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 4:00pm: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
- 4:40pm: Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap)
- 5:20pm: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145)
Friday 13 March - Gold Cup Day
Please note: All race conditions and timings are subject to change
- 1:20pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2:00pm: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
- 2:40pm: Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Steeple Chase (Grade 2)
- 3:20pm: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 4:00pm: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
- 4:40pm: Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Steeple Chase
- 5:20pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
Ticket Availability and Pricing
For those seeking to experience the Festival in person, tickets remain available for the first three days through various enclosure options. Daily Club Enclosure tickets start from £103.50 for Tuesday through Thursday, while Tattersalls tickets begin at £73.80 for the same period. The most economical option is the Best Mate enclosure, with day tickets priced from £54 for the initial three days.
Important note: Gold Cup Day on Friday 13 March has completely sold out across all enclosure categories, reflecting the immense popularity of this premier racing event. All ticket details and purchasing options can be accessed through the official Jockey Club channels.
